Aleen Aked, Sarasota

Aleen Aked was an important figure in the artistic life of Sarasota in the 1930’s. Born in Yorkshire, England, Aked moved to Canada in 1910 and at age fourteen won a scholarship to Arthur Lismer’s College of Art in Ontario. From 1929 to 1944 Aked spent winters in Sarasota and summers back in Ontario. She exhibited regularly with the Sarasota Art Association; elected president in 1942. She was also an accomplished golfer.

The Sarasota Herald, March 5, 1940 reviewed Aked’s work: “The center gallery is occupied by a one-man show by Miss Aleen Aked. There are twenty-four oil paintings, each painted with Miss Aked’s usual care and skill. The subjects are cleverly chosen for interest and design and are well done. The colors are beautiful and harmonious. Miss Aked has rare ability in depicting the texture of what she paints, whether it is vase, shell, tree trunk, flower, cloth, or human flesh. It is a relief to find an artist who portrays Negroes as attractive, intelligent human beings, with soulful expression in the eyes.”